From Christian McCaffrey to the rest, a look at the Panthers RBs in 2021
By Jason Huber
How big of a return does Christian McCaffrey need to have with the Carolina Panthers after missing 13 games last season?
After a historic season in 2019, expectations were high for Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey entering his fourth year in the league.
Unfortunately, an injury-riddled 2020 season limited McCaffrey to just three games and while backup running back Mike Davis had some incredible performances, he was no CMC.
Prior to last season, McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million deal with Carolina, the largest contract per year for a running back. With one year already down the drain, this season will be pivotal for the Panthers to get their money’s worth.
Davis is now with the Atlanta Falcons, so whoever wins the backup job might have big duties depending on how much the Carolina coaching staff decides to limit McCaffrey’s snaps.
The Panthers showed plenty of offensive potential under first-year coordinator Joe Brady last season with receivers Robby Anderson and DJ Moore having breakout years, and a strong consistent running game can make this offense electric if everything begins to click.
It’ll also be intriguing to see how Brady utilizes McCaffrey and company with new quarterback Sam Darnold.
Since McCaffrey has been in the league, there has been no consistent quarterback play. Cam Newton was injured a lot when CMC began to make his impact and last season, Teddy Bridgewater was subpar.
Darnold has never played with a caliber back like McCaffrey and he could help rejuvenate his career.
Plus, if something were to happen to McCaffrey again, the Panthers need to make sure they’re ready. Davis held it down last year, but his play slowed down in the final weeks of the season.
With that said, here is an in-depth look at what Carolina has in the running back room in 2021.